This is for the rambler in you. The route offers exposed rocky moorland, wildlife and the odd bridge thrown in for good measure. It's a hilly walk with only nature as your company, so it might be worth inviting a friend along.

Why it's so special

Kinder Scout is a beautiful and incredibly popular mountain. The moorland forms the highest point of the Peak District.

Keep your eyes peeled for

The 30m waterfall known as Kinder Downfall. It has been said that in high winds, the water can actually be thrown back up the waterfall.

But bear in mind

This is not a walk for the faint-hearted; you need to be fit and prepared for the climbing that lies ahead. Also, when the cloud is down - as it often is - it's easy to get lost. You'll need waterproof and wind proof clothing. Bring loose change, as the car park is pay-and-display.

Impress your companions

This year is the 75th anniversary of the Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout, when ramblers were jailed for trespassing on the land, which then belonged to the Duke of Devonshire. Without their action, we might not be able to walk there - or in many of the open spaces we now take for granted.

Recover afterwards

At the cosy Packhorse Inn, 1km from the car park. There are toilets near Bowden Bridge car park.

And if it's tipping down

If it starts pouring before you head off on the walk, turn back into Hayfield and pop into the visitor centre in the old railway station.

How to get there

By car Hayfield is halfway between Glossop and Chapel-en-le-Frith on the A624. Bowden Bridge car park lies at the end of Kinder Road, a narrow lane leading east from the village. Follow signs for the campsite and you'll see the car park directly opposite.

By bus Catch bus 61 to Hayfield from New Mills and Buxton and Glossop, where there is a link with the Buxton-Stockport train service. Hourly buses run from Stockport (358 and 361; Mon-Sat).

Step-by-step guideWalk ID 1495

1. From car park, continue up the lane away from Hayfield.

2-3. When road goes through a set of metal gates, follow track to the right, over the bridge. Almost immediately, a public footpath leads away to the left, running alongside river.

4. In 200m, path turns sharp left over metal footbridge and on between a hedge and wall, before emerging on to a lane; turn right on to it.

5. Leave the lane shortly after, and head on to a path, which forks left and then climbs steeply. Follow this as it passes Kinder Reservoir.

6. The path passes a National Trust sign denoting William Clough. The path continues up, and becomes less distinct. A roughly laid flight of stone stairs eventually leads to the top.

7. A few metres after the top of William Clough, a stone-flagged path leads to the right and then steeply up on to the Kinder plateau on the Pennine Way. Follow along the western edge for 5km-6km, passing Kinder Downfall after about 3km, before reaching trig point at Kinder Low.

8. Pass to right of trig point and the large pile of stones, aiming for small wooden marker-post mounted in pile of stones.

9. From here, a stone-flagged path leads along grassy outcrop of Kinderlow End towards a large cairn halfway along. Go past the cairn and continue along Kinderlow End, before dropping steeply down stone steps.

10. At bottom of steps, head for a gate and cross via stile on left.

11. Continue to another gate beside a National Trust sign. Cross and continue forwards, through gap in stone wall.

12-13. Another gate leads on to pasture land. Head directly downhill toward another gap in stone wall, go through and continue downhill.

14-15. Cross another stile beside a gate and head for the farmhouse, which should be clearly visible. Take the left of two gates and continue with stone wall on right.

16. Pass to left of farmhouse and pick up track, which bears right below the house.

17. The track emerges on to a lane at a bend. Continue straight along lane (don't turn left over bridge) to car park (1km).